On a division, the committee voted 5-3 to allow the demolition on condition that the clock tower cupola, clock faces and carved stone lettering beneath the eaves are carefully dismantled and set aside for incorporation in any new development on the site.

Watching from the public benches was Councillor Watson McAteer (Hawick and Denholm) who commented later: “The decision, while an understandable blow to many, appeared inevitable given the state of the building and the substantial costs of renovation.

“It is vital very rapid progress is made now for a new development and that we are not left with a derelict site, adjoining our main thoroughfare through the town.”